Legend Agassi to play in Asheville

Published: Wednesday, August 12, 2009 at 4:30 a.m.

Last Modified: Tuesday, August 11, 2009 at 11:38 p.m.

One of the best tennis players in American history is playing an exhibition match in the mountains.

On Aug. 28, Andre Agassi is facing the former No. 1 player in the world, Marat Safin. The match takes place at the Civic Center in Asheville. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.

Sports agent Brian Woods is organizing the event through his company W Sports Marketing. Woods lives in the mountains but is well known throughout the tennis world. He spoke with Safin at the French Open, and an exhibition match was organized.

"He has all these connections in the tennis word," Grand Slam Asheville spokeswoman Stephanie Smith said.

Agassi retired in 2006 but had a storied career. He started as the young, long-haired rebel of the sport and ended as one of its dignitaries. He became only the fifth male player to win all four Grand Slam tournaments when he won the French Open in 1999. He holds 60 career titles and was ranked No. 1 in the world for 101 weeks.

Safin appeared on the tennis scene in 2000 when he defeated Pete Sampras in the U.S. Open. He also won the Australian Open in 2005 and holds 15 career titles. He plans to retire at the end of the season.

"It's a huge thing for me to be able to play again against such a great player like Andre," Safin said in a released statement.

"I always had a great respect for him both as a player and as a friend. I am glad that before my retirement I get a chance to visit North Carolina and play again against one of the game's best players ever."

Safin had one of his first big wins in a Grand Slam tournament when he defeated Agassi in 1998 at the French Open. He has played Agassi many times over the years, and always found him to be a tough opponent.

"I don't know who is more motived about this, Safin or us," Smith said. "Safin wants to play Agassi."

The match between Agassi and Safin is scheduled for three sets.

Besides the premier match, the event will also feature an exhibition match between professional player Ashley Harkleroad and T.C. Roberson High School student MayaBlue Stauffer-MacDowell, a 16-year-old who played for the 2008 3-A state champions.

"That little girl is tickled to death," Smith said.

Tickets for the match are available through Ticketmaster or the Civic Center box office. They range from $49 to $200.

<p>One of the best tennis players in American history is playing an exhibition match in the mountains.</p><p>On Aug. 28, Andre Agassi is facing the former No. 1 player in the world, Marat Safin. The match takes place at the Civic Center in Asheville. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.</p><p>Sports agent Brian Woods is organizing the event through his company W Sports Marketing. Woods lives in the mountains but is well known throughout the tennis world. He spoke with Safin at the French Open, and an exhibition match was organized.</p><p>"He has all these connections in the tennis word," Grand Slam Asheville spokeswoman Stephanie Smith said.</p><p>Agassi retired in 2006 but had a storied career. He started as the young, long-haired rebel of the sport and ended as one of its dignitaries. He became only the fifth male player to win all four Grand Slam tournaments when he won the French Open in 1999. He holds 60 career titles and was ranked No. 1 in the world for 101 weeks.</p><p>Safin appeared on the tennis scene in 2000 when he defeated Pete Sampras in the U.S. Open. He also won the Australian Open in 2005 and holds 15 career titles. He plans to retire at the end of the season.</p><p>"It's a huge thing for me to be able to play again against such a great player like Andre," Safin said in a released statement.</p><p>"I always had a great respect for him both as a player and as a friend. I am glad that before my retirement I get a chance to visit North Carolina and play again against one of the game's best players ever."</p><p>Safin had one of his first big wins in a Grand Slam tournament when he defeated Agassi in 1998 at the French Open. He has played Agassi many times over the years, and always found him to be a tough opponent.</p><p>"I don't know who is more motived about this, Safin or us," Smith said. "Safin wants to play Agassi."</p><p>The match between Agassi and Safin is scheduled for three sets.</p><p>Besides the premier match, the event will also feature an exhibition match between professional player Ashley Harkleroad and T.C. Roberson High School student MayaBlue Stauffer-MacDowell, a 16-year-old who played for the 2008 3-A state champions.</p><p>"That little girl is tickled to death," Smith said.</p><p>Tickets for the match are available through Ticketmaster or the Civic Center box office. They range from $49 to $200.</p><p>More information is available at www.grandslamasheville.com.</p><p>A portion of the proceeds benefit Mission Children's Hospitals.</p>